Power up Google's browser with this collection of extensions

Google Chrome has made a name for itself as a fast, lightweight browser, but has suffered through a lack of support for third-party extensions. Thankfully Google has seen the light, and support for extensions is here.

You need to be running a development version of Chrome – either version 3 or version 4 – which you can switch to by visiting the Development Channel.

As always, back up before you begin, which brings us neatly on to our first recommended extension.

1. Google Chrome Backup

Google Chrome Backup is a small tool that you install and run independently of Google Chrome. It enables you to back up and restore your Chrome user profile settings – a must before you start fiddling about with some of the extensions below.

SAFE DATA:Back up your Chrome settings for security or transferring to another computer

2. Xmarks

Chrome 4 introduces bookmark synchronisation for Chrome, but if you want to share your bookmarks and passwords across multiple browsers, you'll need Xmarks. The Chrome version is still in an early stage of Alpha development, so you'll need an Xmarks account to access it for download. It's still a little flaky, so read more at the wiki before you install it.

KEEP CURRENT:Sync your bookmarks across multiple browsers with Xmarks

3. MyWOT

The web's a dangerous place, so MyWOT is worth its weight in gold. It rates both sites and search engine ratings with a traffic-light system, throwing up a visible warning dialogue box should you try to visit sites that have a poor reputation. Essential if you venture into the darker realms of the net.

Get your own customised weather forecasts, delivered straight to your status bar with AniWeather. After installing, you'll be whisked away to a web page where you configure the extension to your current location and tastes.